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CAREERS IN
ZOOS AND
AQUARIUMS
Institute Research Number 175
ISBN 1-59511-175-9
DOT Codes 412674010, 449674010
O*NET SOC Code 39-2021.00
CAREERS IN
ZOOS & AQUARIUMS
YOU CAN HELP PRESERVE ENDANGERED WILDLIFE
THROUGH SUCCESSFUL CONSERVATION AND
BREEDING PROGRAMS
CONTRIBUTE THROUGH EDUCATION TO
UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION OF THE
NATURAL WORLD
LONG BEFORE THE PRESENCE OF
humans on earth, creatures
roamed the landscapes and
swam the waters. We know
this because history and
archeological digs reveal
evidence that they were huge,
fast and very dangerous. But
we can only read about them
and study their remains
preserved in sand, stone and
earth that continue to be
discovered in all parts of the
world. And we can view their
reconstructed bodies in natural
history museums across the
country.
Fast forward to more
modern times and the wonder
of zoos and aquariums where
many animal species have been
winning hearts for more than a
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century. While we can still read about animals in the wild in far away
places, or view an animal or nature series on television, we can also
enjoy these magnificent creatures at public, private and nonprofit
facilities across the country. Most of us will never get to see first hand
the animal kingdom in its natural habitats. But we can visit the
facilities and learn about the birds, mammals, reptiles and fish that are
protected and cared for.
Zoos also are involved in the vital work of preserving many species
that are in danger of becoming extinct. Development, poaching,
pollution, lack of money and other factors of modern life are causing
wildlife to disappear in this country and around the world. Zoos and
aquariums are helping preserve endangered wildlife through
successful conservation and breeding programs along with
documenting a better understanding of animal behavior.
WHY WE NEED ZOOS
CAN YOU IMAGINE A WORLD WITHOUT ANIMALS? EVERY BIRD, MAMMAL,
reptile, insect and fish add to the protection of our ecosystem. Natural
habitats around the world are shrinking and many species are being
cut off from one another by highways, private and public
development, dams and more. Even migratory bird routes used for
hundred of years have been detoured or blocked in some way. As we
work the land, cut down trees, pollute air and water here and around
the world, we are losing many species and placing others in great
danger.
The Przewalski’s horses, originally from China and Mongolia, have
been extinct for some years, but through a successful breeding
program in zoos there are now several hundred in captivity.
The pygmy chimpanzee, once found only in central Zaire, is all but
extinct in the wilds with less than a hundred remaining in captivity.
The black rhino from Kenya was almost made extinct through
poaching. Between 1970 and 1990, almost 98 percent of this
species was killed for its horns that were either ground down to
make an aphrodisiac or carved into daggers.
The male golden lion tamarin (monkey), once thousands strong in
its native Brazilian rain forest, now thought to be nearly extinct.
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Polluted lakes and rivers in the 1970s and 1980s wiped out many
species of fish and other marine life crucial to the delicate balance
of life under the waters.
These examples do not even cover a small fraction of the wildlife
and plant life lost over the last century. A few species on the brink of
extinction, such as the bald eagle, the California condor and the wolf,
have been rescued, bred and reintroduced into the wild. But the
situation remains dire and even though many throughout the world
are working to find solutions, the problems are overwhelming.
The Chicago Tribune reported recently in a front page story that “A
small flock of endangered whooping cranes finished a 1,200-mile
journey to Florida, almost seven weeks after the birds began following
researchers in ultralight aircraft from Wisconsin.” Only eight young
birds made the long flight and one was killed after flying into a power
line during a storm. About 400 whooping cranes survive today and
biologists and other scientists are “fighting a long and hard battle” to
keep their migratory process going with a little help from state and
federal government agencies and nonprofit groups.
In her 1997 book, THE MODERN ARK, The Story of Zoos: Past,
Present and Future, Vicki Croke, a respected nature writer has a clarion
call as she writes, “There is a monster loose in the world that is
gobbling up every green inch and chopping down every forest. The
beast, of course, is the planet’s human population. Every year another
97 million human beings join the crowd – 90 percent of whom are
born in less developed tropical countries, where the bulk of the
remaining wildlife lives. By 2050 the world’s population could reach
12 billion. That’s 12 billion who need roads and houses and land for
crops and domestic animals. Who need fuel and food and wood.
Because of that, the nonhuman, nondomesticated animal portion of
the planet’s biomass is being squeezed out of existence. The statistics
are too much to fathom.”
We need zoos and aquariums now more than ever.
In many instances they are the final repositories of
endangered species where care and breeding programs
are saving many from total extinction.
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A LABOR OF LOVE
ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS EMPLOY MANY MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE
responsible for their maintenance, their environment, and their
relations with the public. As you will learn, this is a big responsibility
for those who choose to devote their careers to creatures that come in
all shapes, sizes, colors and temperaments. It is a true labor of love
for all animals large and small, and is based on the desire to make the
wonders of wildlife available to people of here and around the world.
The main reason to consider this field is a love of wildlife and
nature and a desire to work within this atmosphere and make a
difference on the planet earth.
We are not talking about just small, cute and cuddly animals but
tigers, elephants, seals, dolphins, and many other exotic species. Your
love of animals must be all-inclusive. You cannot pick and choose the
animals you want to handle since zoos and aquariums have diverse
animal collections, and zoo employees usually do not get to select
what animals they want to work with, unless they are trained
specialists with some breed.
This is a career of modest earnings but great satisfaction.
Professionals talk of their work with pride and the understanding that
their contribution to saving and protecting the wild kingdom is highly
valued in many segments of our society. The life includes considerable
ongoing personal learning. There is also the job of helping to improve
the quality of life for captive animals. There is the mission of educating
the public on the importance of conservation and the need to protect
endangered species. And there is the pleasure of working with
colleagues who feel the same for animals and nature.
This is an especially important career for the 21st century. Zoos
and aquariums not only give us pleasure and provide us with
entertainment, but they also educate and teach us to be respectful
and considerate of other living things. It is essential that we learn to
live in harmony with the natural world. As the world becomes smaller
through globalization, we must seek the balance between our wants
and our needs. Appreciating wildlife, through zoos and aquariums,
will help us achieve one aspect of that balance.
Whether on land or below the water, zoos and aquariums have a
variety of specialized positions that include directors, curators,
scientists, marine biologists, habitat designers, zoo keepers,
veterinarians, and veterinarian technicians. There are also
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opportunities for gardeners, operations managers, fundraisers, public
relations specialists, and a clerical staff. Most facilities also have an
educational department as well as a library. The size of the staff will
depend upon the size of the facility. We will concentrate on the jobs
that directly relate to the hands-on care and protection of the animals
in the more than 200 zoos and aquariums accredited by the American
Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA).
THE CREATION OF THE MODERN ZOO
MORE THAN 140 MILLION PEOPLE VISITED AZA-ACCREDITED ZOOS AND
aquariums as well as certified related facilities, theme parks, aquatic
parks and other animal facilities in the United States last year. Each
facility is unique and includes a variety of habitats from a five-acre
animal zoo, to a 322,000 square-foot aquarium, to a 3,000-acre
wildlife conservation center and everything in-between. You can watch
the creatures at play, do a walk-through tour, or have a safari-type
experience. Every facility has its own special attractions.
The AZA, founded in 1924 as the American Association of
Zoological Parks and Aquariums, is a nonprofit organization dedicated
to “the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of
conservation, education, science, and recreation. AZA’s vision is to
work cooperatively to save and protect the wonders of the living
natural world.”
Prior to AZA, zoos and aquariums were an inconsistent mixture of
good, bad and indifferent facilities where creatures were kept mostly
for their entertainment value. And in too many instances animals were
mistreated and not housed under the best of conditions. The basis of
AZA was and remains to establish and maintain the highest standards
of animal care and husbandry through an accreditation and
certification process that includes established standards and
evaluations, the professional qualifications of the staff, on-site
inspections and peer review. An accreditation or certification is good
for five years. Accreditation is accorded to zoological parks and
aquariums, and related facilities such as wildlife refuges, conservation
centers, survival or rehab centers, breeding farms, and other animal
care organizations.
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Today, these facilities are bright, clean, interesting, educational,
inviting and fun places to visit – and work. Guided tours are a regular
part of the experience. Exhibits are continually updated and well
maintained and the histories of their inhabitants are fully documented
and presented. There are programs and special events for people of
all ages to participate in. Groups of school children, families, and
individuals all can enjoy the wonders of the animal kingdom as
presented in our modern zoos and aquariums.
Today’s zoo and aquarium experience is enriching. The Port
Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington is considered to have an
outstanding polar bear exhibit complete with a rushing stream, sand
and gravel areas, and a deep pool. The San Diego, California Wild
Animal Park offers outdoor exhibits that are as natural as they come
and allow the animals to behave naturally. The Shedd Aquarium in
Chicago has more than 8,000 fish, invertebrates, reptiles, birds and
mammals living and playing in aquatic splendor. The Bronx Zoo in New
York has one of the best conservation and education programs in the
country. Each facility brings something special from the world of
nature to the urban dwellers they serve.
The mission of the modern zoo and
aquarium is an evolving process as we learn more about
these creatures, their behavioral process and how to
better care for them.
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HOW WE GOT HERE
IN THE MODERN ARK MS. CROKE WRITES, “THE ZOO, LOOSELY DEFINED AS A
place to keep exotics in captivity, is an ancient notion. And if we trace
time through the pits and cages and exalted temples used to display
animals, we discover more about the fickle soul of man than about the
steady behavior of beasts.”
While clay tablets suggest that lions were kept in some type of
enclosure in Mesopotamia as early as 2094 BC, zoo historians tell us
that the first zoos were in ancient Egypt more than 3,000 years ago.
Animals such as lions, baboons, snakes, hippos, bulls, and crocodiles
were considered holy and protected in parks that were built for them.
History further records that every pharaoh had some type of
menagerie in his palace park reserved just for the pleasure of the royal
family and important visitors.
The Chinese built their first zoo-like structure around 1100 BC,
and its approximately 1500-acre walled park contained deer, antelope,
goats, birds and fish whose presence was considered spiritual. Royal
families in other ancient countries such as Assyria also collected
animals. Some were raised as pets while others were bred for fighting.
The Babylonians are credited with starting animal medicine by
isolating sick animals from the rest of the herd. The early treatments
were based on magic – the same used for humans. The supernatural
usually prevailed then. Veterinary practice first appeared in India
around the second century BC with the sacred status of the cow. But it
was the Greeks who first detailed veterinary medicine when King
Alexander of Macedonia in about 400 BC, created programs of animal
study, and the Greek physician Hippocrates studied the similarities
between animal and human physiology and the science of pathology
and anatomy.
Animal collections were also a part of ancient Greece as warriors
brought all kinds of exotic creatures back from their wars and
expeditions. It was Aristotle’s zoological encyclopedia, History of
Animals, that first catalogued three hundred species of vertebrates. It
was his student Alexander the Great that is credited with establishing
the first public zoo in the world when he installed one of his generals
to be king of Egypt and they built a zoo in Alexandria.
Over the centuries animals were revered, sacrificed, used for work
and for entertainment. Zoos were out of favor for many years, but in
the 13th century, Frederick II emperor of the Holy Roman Empire was a
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naturalist, ornithologist and author, and revived the concept of zoos
with a menagerie unrivaled anywhere up to that time. Royal animal
collections alternately faded and were resurrected over a long period
of time depending upon monies in the royal treasuries, since animal
keeping was very expensive. But a royal collection prevailed in London
and in 1828, a public zoo was opened in Regent’s Park.
In America, the Philadelphia Zoo received its charter approval in
1859 but due to the Civil War did not actually open until 1874. The
Central Park Zoo in New York opened between 1861 and 1862, and
the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago opened in 1868. The first collections
were modest and included swans, peacocks, prairie dogs, deer, elk,
wolves and eagles. In 1874 the Lincoln Park Zoo added a bear and in
1889 an elephant.
The National Zoo in Washington, DC opened in April of 1891
“with a healthy surplus of animals.” In 1899, the New York Zoological
Park was founded with its purpose “to advance the study of zoology,
to educate the public, and to preserve the animals of North America.”
The establishment of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association in
1924 emphasized the need for standards in these facilities and over
the years has given American zoos a decided advantage in the care
and preservation of all creatures, over zoos in any other part of the
world.
In the 1930s, aquariums started making their mark
with facilities such as the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago,
the National Aquarium in Baltimore, the New York
Aquarium in Coney Island, the Monterey Bay Aquarium
in California and more.
These underwater exhibits joined their zoo cousins in doing more
than just displaying marine life. They are also repositories of
education, preservation, and care for endangered species. These
exhibits also display animals, birds and reptiles who do not live
entirely under water, but depend on an abundance of water for their
survival.
9
Zoos and aquariums today that belong to the AZA are part of a
family, collaborating and sharing information, new techniques in animal
care, educational programs, breeding and so much more. They have
come a long way from the early years before AZA when everything was
done in secrecy and the competition to acquire prized animals was fierce.
In 1967, the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) was
founded “to foster a professional attitude in animal keepers by
encouraging them to become active members of the professional teams
at today’s zoos and aquariums. AAZK supports the promotion and
implementation of zoo keeper education and strives to make the general
public aware of our concern for all valid and deserving conservation
projects and the need for the preservation of our natural resources and
animal life.”
The International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA) was
founded “to foster communication, professionalism, and cooperation
among those who serve marine mammal science through training, public
display, research, husbandry, conservation, and education.”
The world needs zoos and aquariums to help save the diversity of
life. We cannot imagine what the zoos and aquariums will look like at the
beginning of the 22nd century, but we do know that they are moving in
the right direction with dedication and promise to conserve and preserve
the animal kingdom in all its majesty.
CAREER POSSIBILITIES
EMPLOYMENT IN ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS IS NOT GLAMOROUS, ESPECIALLY THE
positions that require direct contact with the animals. Physical strength is
needed for much of the work and you have to be always on alert to make
detailed observations and keep information on all animals up-to-date.
This work requires a special kind of dedication to animals, who require
attention and care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of
weekends, holidays, snow or sunshine.
Positions depend upon the size of the facility and the responsibilities
can vary from place to place.
Director/Chief Operating Officer Executes policies as directed by the
governing authority. Responsible for the institution’s operation and plans for
future development.
General Curator Oversees an institution’s entire animal collection and
animal management staff. Responsible for strategic collection planning.
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Animal Curator Manages a certain portion of an institution’s animal
collection; i.e., mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, etc.
Veterinarian Responsible for the healthcare program for the animal
collection and the maintenance of health records.
Veterinary Technician Assists the veterinarian and provides care to the
animals under the supervision of the veterinarian.
Registrar Maintains computer records on the animal collection and
applies for permits and licenses to hold or transport animals.
Director of Research Supervises research projects, serves as liaison
between the institution and the academic community, and publishes
articles in scientific journals.
Director of Conservation Oversees the institution’s conservation
activities, including field projects. Serves as liaison with government wildlife
agencies and other conservation organizations.
Conservation Biologist/Zoologist Provides scientific and technical
assistance in the management of the animal collection and assists in
conducting various research or field conservation projects.
Head Keeper/Aquarist Supervises a section or department of the
institution; provides training and scheduling for keepers.
Senior Keeper/Aquarist Provides primary care for a department.
Keeper/Aquarist Provides daily care to the institution’s animals,
including diet preparation, cleaning, general exhibit maintenance, and
record keeping.
Curator of Exhibits Creates exhibits and assists in the design of
graphics.
Curator of Horticulture Responsible for the botanical colle7ction and
its application to the animal collection, as well as daily maintenance of the
institution’s grounds.
Curator of Education Plans and implements the institution’s education
programs.
There are also numerous positions relating to directing and
managing the facility, public relations, special events, volunteers,
fundraising, membership, gift shop, visitor services and human
resources. Many larger institutions also have summer intern programs
for high school students.
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ZOO KEEPERS AND CURATORS
KEEPERS AND CURATORS ARE THE PRINCIPAL PROFESSIONALS IN ZOOS AND
aquariums. They ensure that all the animals are kept in the best of
health under the best of conditions and that they are displayed in an
appropriate and attractive setting. Both positions have degrees of
responsibilities depending upon the experience and seniority of the
individual, as well as the size of the institution.
Zoo Keeper/Aquarist Keeper is the title used in zoos, and aquarist
is the title used in aquariums. Their work is identical in most aspects
with one major difference – an aquarist must be a certified diver.
However, you can still use the title keeper to describe both positions,
and we will use it here.
Keepers care for a diverse collection of animals from mammals
and birds to reptiles and amphibians to fish and invertebrates. Keepers
can become specialized and concentrate their work on a specific group
of animals such as great apes, reptiles, exotic birds, etc.
From apprentice keeper up to head keeper, these professionals
participate in all aspects of daily animal care and the maintenance of
their exhibit space. Essential work includes cleaning, feeding,
watering, securing, training, and observing animals, as well as record
keeping, maintaining exhibits and the grooming of domestic animals.
Daily tasks may include heavy manual and skilled work such as
moving and manipulating heavy food items, bales of hay, hoses,
equipment and crated animals. The cleaning and maintaining of the
animal exhibits may include the use of chemicals and special tools
which are used to ensure the health and safety of the animals.
Healthy animals are the number one goal and the keeper monitors
the health of the animals on a daily basis by observing eating habits,
general activity, behavior and appearance, interaction with others and
then reports any abnormalities or problems to the area supervisor
without delay. Under the supervision of the veterinarian, the keeper
can also administer necessary therapeutics.
In cooperation with senior management staff, the keeper will
prepare and distribute animal diets and make recommendations
regarding change of diet, habitat redesign and other related matters.
Monitoring the condition of the habitat and requesting emergency
repairs immediately are essential to a clean, healthy and safe
environment for the animals as well as the keeper. Daily written
12
reports are required as well as maintaining an inventory of equipment
and supplies.
The keeper is always mindful of established animal handling and
related safety guidelines. Knowledge of occupational hazards and the
necessity of safe work practices while in proximity of potentially
dangerous animals is crucial. There are established animal escape drills
and procedures as well as guidelines for the capture, restraint and
transport of animals.
Coordination and cooperation with other zoo departments are
important. In addition, all shifts work necessary hours including
weekends, holidays and special events.
The keeper must have a good knowledge of general husbandry
practices and methods; animal behavior and natural history; common
environmental enrichment and animal training practices; biology and
related subjects. There is also the necessity of keeping comprehensive
and accurate records. Strong oral and written communication skills
and the ability to interact courteously with colleagues and visitors to
the facility are also important.
The physical requirements are demanding since the keeper must
be able to remain standing (or underwater in a tank) for long periods
of time; perform a variety of physical tasks that can include climbing,
bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, crawling, etc. Physical
strength also includes the ability to move up to 50 pounds of food,
equipment or supplies. There is also the need to work in small,
confined spaces, and, in zoos, work outside in all weather conditions.
Most zoos today require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited
college or university in the biological sciences (biology, marine biology,
zoology, ecology) or a closely related discipline, to be considered for
the position of keeper or aquarist. In certain instances, a comparable
combination of education, experience or training may provide the
acceptable level of knowledge, skills and ability required to qualify an
individual for the position.
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Zoo/Aquarium Curator Curators manage an institution’s varied
collection of animals, staff, budgets, associated facilities and the
breeding, conservation and research programs. General curators are
charged with the overall direction of the facility, and the supervisors of
each area or department are charged with its day-to-day
implementation. Curators work in cooperation with the keepers and
aquarists to design the best course of action for the animals and for
the institution.
From the general curator to the curators for each collection, these
professionals are responsible for the development and implementation
of all animal department programs, and policies and procedures. As a
senior staff member, the curator will participate in the various
renovation and building designs for the facility, the development of
educational programs, research review and, in some institutions, the
cultivation of donors.
The prime concern of zoos and aquariums is the animal collection.
A curator will develop a collection plan that includes acquisitions and
dispositions, appropriate breeding programs, good nutritional and
health delivery programs in conjunction with the veterinary staff, and
will establish proper animal husbandry practices. In addition, there is
overseeing record keeping and maintaining inventories.
Curators participate in using systematic observational techniques
and other approved procedures for a better understanding of the
behavior, groups dynamics, and biology of animals in their collection.
This leads to the mission of the facility and the scientific management
of the collection through research, collaborating with other
institutions and universities, and field projects to benefit species
conservation. Computer proficiency is essential.
Management duties include establishing policies and procedures
for various departments consistent with the institution’s mission and
goals; input in the design of exhibits, displays, animal service areas
and public areas; developing and monitoring budgets and
expenditures while prioritizing needs and preparing necessary reports;
and making decisions for the best use of budgeted monies.
Curators, along with keepers, must always be mindful of
conforming to all local, state, federal, foreign and international laws
regarding the health, maintenance, acquisition, shipment and overall
welfare of the collection.
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Complete knowledge of animal species, behaviors and habitats in
their charge, as well as a thorough understanding of the principles of
captive exotic animal management are required. Personnel
management skills are necessary along with interpersonal skills and
the ability to use sound judgment. Excellent written and oral
communications skills are needed as the curator details technical
reports and records and interacts with colleagues and the general
public in and out of the institution.
The head curator in some large institutions today holds a
doctorate degree. Most institutions require at least a master’s in
zoology or a related science field for this position. A curator will also
usually have at least seven years animal experience, including five
years in a supervisory capacity. The prospective curator should have
experience in developing and implementing conservation and research
programs.
The other workers that zoos and aquariums find indispensable are
the volunteers. Without the thousands of men and women who give
their time to assist an institution’s staff, many zoos and aquariums
would be forced to pare down their activities and even cut visiting
hours.
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ZOO PROFESSIONALS TELL ABOUT THEIR
CAREERS
I’m a Senior Zoo Keeper “My days are long and
very busy. Some days it seems as though the work will never be
finished, but that is because animal care is ongoing – day in and
day out. I work in a mid-size zoo in a big city, and we have an
outstanding collection of animals who are demanding in terms of
their feeding, keeping their space clean and presentable, ensuring
their health and safety, and making their daily living environment
as close to nature as possible.
It is true that zoos once were just a jumble of cages to hold
animals. But over the years the importance of their habitats has
been studied by scientists and naturalists linking their behavior
and interaction with their environment. Today’s zoo is as close to
the wild as possible. Their surroundings including plants, pools
and landscapes are specifically designed to mirror their habitats.
My main work is with the primates. The monkeys and apes
are fascinating creatures and I enjoy working with them. My day
starts about 7:30 when I make my rounds to see all my charges
and ensure that they look healthy, are behaving normally, and
their space has not been disturbed in any way. Even though there
is overnight staff, this first check in the morning is very important
because it sets a pattern for the rest of the day and allows me to
deal with any problems right away.
Then it’s feeding time and checking on their diets so that any
additional foods and/or supplements are available. After that, the
exhibits need to be cleaned and everyone made presentable for
the public by 10 am. There are several feedings a day, and the
exhibits are cleaned again at the end of the day or sooner if
necessary. Areas in the back of cages and habitats must be
cleaned at the end of the day, and everything prepared for
tomorrow. I also write detailed reports on each animal every day
as this ensures the check on their care, health and safety.
My work goes on whether it is miserably hot or unbearably
cold. Our work does not stop for weather, weekends or holidays.
We had well over a million visitors last year, and part of my job is
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to interact with the public and answer questions. I have also taken
some of the smaller monkeys to schools for educational talks. It is
so important to make young people aware of the environment
and how its quality not only impacts humans, but the welfare of
animals as well.
I grew up with two dogs and several cats. I learned to ride a
horse when I was 10 years old. I have always loved animals and
wanted to be around them. As a junior in high school, I began
volunteering on weekends at this zoo where I now work. I have a
degree in wildlife biology and I have studied animal behavior.
I hope to be doing this for a long time. Eventually, I would like
to move into management. Working with animals is a rewarding
experience, and I feel as though I am part of an important crusade
in preservation and conservation.”
I‘m in a Zoo Intern Program “I love animals and I
love the outdoors, but I was not sure how to combine these into a
future. I have worked for the park district and have been a camp
counselor, and even spent a summer on a working ranch. I was in
my first year of college taking liberal arts courses when I visited a
zoo in the city and met another student there I knew who had
been accepted in their 12-week intern program. He was working
in a tropic setting that replicates a rainforest system housing a
wide variety of species. He was very excited about the prospect of
a future in zoos.
I was mesmerized by the experience and decided to look into
this intern program. After talking with my family and advisors, I
switched my curriculum to biology and science. I could not apply
for the program until I had two years of college and then it was so
competitive that I was not sure I would get in. My B+ grade
average proved to be the clincher and here I am in the third week
of my 12-week internship.
I asked to take my internship at the children’s zoo which
offers a great dual opportunity for working hands on with a
variety of native and domestic animals and lots of interaction with
children and adults. Zoo keeping skills are essentially the same at
the children’s zoo as they are in the main zoo. There is a daily
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routine to follow. At this early juncture in my training, I am mainly
assisting the keepers in their work. Every day I get to do a little
more and in a few more weeks I should have specific duties to
handle by myself.
I work a five-day, 40-hour week and do not get paid. This is
voluntary but I feel it’s necessary if I want to consider a future at a
zoo. In fact, there is a waiting list of students wanting to become
interns. The minimum commitment is six weeks, but I felt that was
not long enough to determine if I want to pursue this field.
Part-time work over the years and support from my parents allows
me to take this much time.
The intern program is a training and educational program,
and trainees are supervised by full-time employees. A mentor is
assigned to an intern, and this professional helps provide the
needed information on zoo policies, procedures and standards. In
other words, there is always someone there to ensure that I do not
make any serious mistakes.
At the end of 12 weeks, I will receive a formal written
evaluation from my mentor and supervisors, which they will
discuss with me in an evaluation conference. I will receive a copy
of the evaluation along with a certificate of completion of the
internship program. I am hoping that at that time I will be sure
that a career in this field is the right choice for me. Then when I
return to college for my junior and senior years, I can concentrate
on a degree with a biology and science major.”
I‘m an Assistant Curator of Fishes “A job in an
aquarium was a given ever since I took my first scuba diving
lesson as a teenager. I was vacationing with my family in the
Florida Keys and was astounded by the life under the water. I was
a good swimmer but mostly had been swimming in pools and
lakes. The Keys were something else and opened my eyes to the
world of the seas.
I have an undergraduate degree in marine biology and a
master’s degree in fisheries. I am also a certified diver. My first
job was with a marine science center where I worked in public
education and learned the importance of interaction between
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the institution and the public. It was good basic experience as I
learned about various species, their behavior, their diseases and
their routines.
I was at the center for almost four years when I applied for an
aquarist’s job at the aquarium in our city. I had the right
qualifications and was hired. As an aquarist I learned about more
species, how to decorate tanks or make recommendations on the
particular habitat. Decorating the exhibit to the specifics of the
particular region the fish are from is important. We study various
plants, reefs, coral and other seascapes so that we can duplicate
the collection’s original environment as closely as possible. This is
important for the welfare of the animals, as well as for the
education of the public.
My duties as an aquarist included making rounds and
checking on the collection for injuries or any signs of illness, the
filtration and life support systems, testing the equipment we use
for presentations, preparing the food for the entire day, and
getting ready to welcome the public. My particular institution has
five feedings a day in each of our tanks and we do presentations
for each one. We work with volunteers who help with the feedings
and the presentations.
After almost six years and several advancements especially in
the management area, I was promoted to Assistant Curator of
Fishes. In my current position I divide my time between
administration and the animals. My mornings are usually spent
monitoring my areas, checking on any ongoing problems and
making myself available to the aquarists. Afternoons are generally
devoted to personnel problems, scheduling, evaluations, checking
inventories and ordering supplies.
I really like what I do. I am happy working with the fish,
participating in educational programs and being part of the
conservation movement. So many of our animals are endangered,
and it is rewarding to know that I am making a difference.”
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I’m a Curator Of Birds “Becoming a curator has
capped a wonderful career in zoos that I began as a teenager. I
come from a family of hikers, and weekends and some vacations
found us in wonderful areas for hiking and camping out. I learned
to appreciate wildlife at an early age and to have respect for the
environment.
I started volunteering at the zoo when I was still in high
school. Exotic birds became my favorite exhibit and soon my
favorite subject. I could not absorb enough information about
them and knew this was going to be my career. Since then, I have
had many years of education including a doctoral degree in
ecology and biology.
This zoo has one of the more outstanding collections of exotic
birds in the country and I am responsible for much of our current
exhibit. My travels have taken me to far away places where I select
birds that will be compatible with the rest of the collection. I am
also concerned about their breeding potential. I pay close
attention to endangered species or species with diminishing
populations. It is a challenge for me to increase their numbers.
Most people do not realize how much wildlife we are losing. Only
when you travel to what were once pristine wild areas can you
measure how much of the land we have lost to development.
Management is a big part of my day as I ensure that my
colleagues are on top of all our situations, whether they be serious
problems or not. I have a good working relationship with my staff
and we are in constant communication. As a senior staff member I
attend a lot of meetings both at my institution and at other
facilities. But my best and most favorite times are spent checking
on the birds in our collection, supervising their shift from cages or
habitats, monitoring new births, and controlling their health and
safety. Losing an animal is like losing a member of a family. It
affects us all.
I have earned a decent living although this is not a lucrative
field in terms of salaries. But my personal rewards far outpace my
monetary compensation. My work is important. I am helping to
save a number of species that might have become extinct were it
not for zoos. I am promoting understanding through educating
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the public to the living wonders of this earth. And, most of all, I
am happy in my work and can’t wait to return here every day.
The work is not easy and the hours can be long, and there are
always problems to deal with, but for me it has been worth it. My
future may have management duties and even a place in the
executive offices. I am not quite sure how I would feel
relinquishing my hands-on work with my birds, but my mind is
always open to new challenges. If you love all creatures and enjoy
communicating with nature, then a career with animals will be a
rewarding one.”
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QUALIFICATIONS YOU WILL NEED
WORKING IN ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS IS SPECIAL IN TWO VERY IMPORTANT WAYS –
first, you get to work with and care for a variety of local, domestic,
exotic and endangered animals and second, you get to work either
outside or under water. When considering this field, keep in mind
these essential personal qualifications you will need to succeed.
A love of animals, science, nature, the environment and being part
of the conservation movement
A comfort level of working with animals large, small and potentially
dangerous
A knowledge of general husbandry practices and methods
Good computer skills
Observational skills in assessing animals and their habitats
Strong communication skills; written for all the detailed reporting
that is required and, oral for interacting with the public and
volunteers as well as with colleagues
Strength and stamina to stand for long periods of time and lift
heavy objects
Good sense of organization to complete daily tasks in a timely
fashion and to keep comprehensive and accurate records according
to established procedures
Patience to work through problems, a commitment to the
institution you are serving, and a dedication to education and
conservation with the animals and their environment
This is a demanding and rewarding career choice. It pits the
individual with some of the most magnificent creatures on earth. The
health and safety of each animal is in the hands of each professional
and a genuine concern for their care is essential as their lives depend
largely upon how they are handled. This can be a promising career for
those who love animals and nature and desire to make a difference.
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POSITIVE ASPECTS
THIS IS AMONG THE MOST GIVING CAREERS. PEOPLE ENTER THIS WORK BECAUSE
they truly love animals and want not only to be around them, but help
their breed survive and flourish. It is not a flashy or high-powered
field, and it does not pay big salaries, but if you have a desire to help
preserve the animals we have left then you are in the right career.
You work with people of similar views in places that are
interesting and attractive. The zoos and aquariums of today are
modern, well-equipped facilities that display their animals in natural
habitats. It becomes a fun family-like atmosphere and the illness or
death of any member is a sad affair. It is a good feeling to come
through a crisis and save a creature or watch the birth of a rare
species.
In addition to caring for the animals, there is a variety of
programs, workshops and special events that bring children, teens and
adults to the institution to participate with the zoo employees in a
variety of ways, mostly educational and always fun. In addition, you
can participate in school programs where selected animals are taken
into the classroom and discussed, or a class comes to the zoo and a
keeper or curator will guide them through a particular exhibit.
Zoos and aquariums are places where animal health is enhanced
and endangered species are nurtured. They are beacons of light in a
world that too often cares more for roads and buildings than it does
for nature.
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NEGATIVE ASPECTS
THE BIGGEST COMPLAINT IS THE LOW PAY. KEEPERS, AQUARISTS AND CURATORS
are all required to have degrees, and for curators a graduate degree is
necessary. The institutions are nonprofit and have never been able to
afford high salaries. The majority of zoos and aquariums have annual
budgets under $5 million and that just covers the essentials. So be
forewarned, if you are looking to make a lot of money, this is not the
career for you.
While no two days are the same, there are routine duties that
must be performed on a daily basis, 365 days a year, such as feeding
and cleaning, and they must be done in all kinds of weather.
Blistering heat or freezing cold is no excuse not to be out doing your
daily chores. During very bad weather or storms most of the animals
are brought inside, but creatures like seals stay in their pools and
keepers must go out and feed them.
Dealing with the public can be frustrating as they ignore signs like
Do Not Feed the Animals, or let small children run wild and get into
restricted areas. Watching the animals is one thing, but watching out
for unruly children should not be your problem. It just adds to the
stress of the work.
Lifting heavy bags of food or materials can be backbreaking.
Detailed daily reports are a necessary evil and must be completed
whether your day has ended or not. Often you work more hours than
you are paid for. There is too much to do and too much to learn.
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EDUCATION AND TRAINING
LIKE MOST FIELDS OF ENDEAVOR, CAREERS IN ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS ARE AT A
higher level, and you will be more successful, if you have a college
degree. While it is possible to get some entry-level positions at smaller
facilities with only a high school diploma, you could find yourself
trapped in a dead-end job. Even some science and biology courses at a
community college would be a help and then with experience, you
could move up to a better job.
However, without a degree from an accredited college or
university, there is only so far that you can go in pursuing a serious
career, and most major institutions will not consider your application
with only a high school diploma. A college education not only gives
you the science you need, it also gives you organizational skills and
time management skills to help you deal with the pressures and
problems of the job.
A college education translates into better jobs, greater
advancement possibilities, and better earnings and benefits. So if you
are serious about working with animals in zoos and aquariums, start
looking at a science degree program in the school of your choice.
The basic majors for this field are biology, marine biology, ecology,
and zoology. Many curator positions now require graduate degrees,
including a master’s, all the way up to a PhD. There are numerous
colleges and universities across the country that have undergraduate
and graduate degree programs in these and other related sciences.
Just visit your local library or the Internet for a listing in your area or
anywhere in the country.
For working zoo professionals, there are ongoing training
programs, including seminars, workshops, continuing education,
interaction with colleagues in other institutions, and association
meetings and conferences.
If you want to do some first-hand investigation before you make a
commitment to this career, volunteer at a zoo or aquarium, a
veterinarian’s office, or any facility that cares for animals to view first
hand what goes into their care and welfare. The best way to make
your decision is to be informed, and it will be up to you to do the leg
work.
Make sure that your high school grades are up to your potential,
and that you have good study habits. All this will go a long way in
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helping to ensure a successful career in the future. A solid education
followed by training and ongoing education will give you the tools
you will need to help make your career and your life meaningful.
EARNINGS POTENTIAL
ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS ARE MOSTLY NONPROFIT INSTITUTIONS AND RELY ON
government and charitable foundation grants and the generosity of
member donors to support their annual budgets. Most of these
institutions are small and have annual budgets under $5 million
annually. Most do not have large endowments and many have no cash
surplus at all. When the economy is down or in recession, donors have
less money to give and government funding may be cut. Fundraising
becomes difficult during these times and nonprofits lower expenses by
paring down staff and eliminating some programs.
However, thousands of people continue to work at these
institutions and new job openings are posted every day. The many
thousands of animals in collections across the country must be cared
for in an appropriate manner and no institution will put their animals
in jeopardy with an inadequate staff.
Salary levels are based on education and experience, plus the size
of the institution, its location, and job descriptions and
responsibilities, which vary from place to place. Entry-levels in the
keeper and aquarist positions can start as low as $20,000 and go to
about $25,000. More senior positions start about $20,000 and go to
about $45,000.
Entry-levels for curator, with an advanced degree can start at
$40,000 with more senior positions rising to about $60,000, or
somewhat higher at major institutions.
While salary alone should never dictate your career choice, it is
important to place your earnings potential in proper perspective with
your future.
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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
WHEN THE ECONOMY IS IN A DOWNTURN AND MONEY IS TIGHT, NONPROFITS ARE
the first to feel the pinch. Downsizing at these institutions usually does
not include the hands-on animal professionals. The majority of layoffs
when they are required, are in office jobs and management areas.
If you want a hands-on career with animals, there will always be
work. In addition to zoos and aquariums, there are wildlife parks,
specialized zoos, aquatic parks, circuses, petting and farm zoos,
animal shelters, wildlife refuges and more.
There are zoos of all sizes in many cities across the country. Not as
many aquariums, but a trip to your local library or a search on the
Internet will provide their locations. The Internet Web site for
American Zoo and Aquarium Association www.aza.org has a listing
and location of their member institutions.
To give you an idea of typical job openings, here is a sampling of
available positions across the country listed with the AZA in one recent
week:
Reptile/Amphibian Keeper, Mystic Aquarium, Connecticut
Zoo Keeper/Elephants, Chehaw Wild Animal Park, Georgia
Zoo Curator, Los Angeles Zoo, California
Curator of Aquatic Life, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Pennsylvania
Animal Keeper, Henry Doorly Zoo, Nebraska
Education Curator, Lake Superior Zoo, Minnesota
Gorilla Forest Supervisor, Louisville, Zoological Gardens, Kentucky
Bird Keeper, Houston Zoological Gardens, Texas
Elephant Manager, Virginia Zoological Park, Virginia
Conservation Education Internship, Racine Zoological Gardens,
Wisconsin
Zoo Keeper/Birds, New Orleans Audubon Zoo, Louisiana
Curator of Husbandry, Akron Zoo, Ohio
Zoo Keeper, North Carolina Zoo, North Carolina
Mammal Keeper, Jacksonville Zoological Gardens, Florida
General Curator, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Washington
Life Support Systems Technician, Oregon Coast Aquarium
Assistant Lead Keeper, Brookfield Zoo, Illinois
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Diver Coordinator, Colorado’s Ocean Journey, Colorado
Educator, Bergen County Zoo, New Jersey
Zoo Exhibits Coordinator, Zoo New England, Massachusetts
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR FUTURE
IF YOU ARE AN ANIMAL PERSON AND WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS
career, here are some avenues to pursue:
Read The only way to get to know a subject is by immersing yourself in it
and that means going to the library and taking out books on animals in
general, animal care, animal history, different species such as primates or
whales. Call your local zoo, aquarium, or animal shelter and ask them for
reading recommendations. When you begin to learn about the subject,
then you can start asking the right questions.
Research Make a list of the questions you want answered and talk with
people in the field, write to colleges and universities about their science
and other related degree programs, visit Web sites on animals, write to the
professional association and ask them to send you any free publications.
Interact Invite a professional from a zoo, aquarium or other animal
facility to talk to your class or a school assembly about their career. Make
an appointment with one or two professionals at an animal facility and
visit them armed with questions about their job. Make sure you ask about
the negatives as well as the positives. Talk to your school guidance/career
counselor and family about your interest in this career.
Volunteer You may wind up with good answers to your questions, but
missing is the actual experience. The only way to see first-hand what goes
on at an animal facility is to be there – and that usually means
volunteering. You are not only helping the institution, but you are
solidifying your feelings about this career. In fact, weekends are a good
time to volunteer because that is when the most people visit and the duties
of the professionals can be twice as hectic.
Once again from Ms. Croke’s book, The Modern Ark, “No one
knows exactly what the zoo of the future will look like. But with so
much at stake, it is clear we desperately need zoos to help save the
diversity of life. The question is not whether the world will have zoos
in the future; the question is: Will the world have animals?”
Do you want to help? Be a part of the solution? Contribute to a
better world? This giving, rewarding career is for you. Good Luck!
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ASSOCIATIONS
American Association of Zoo Keepers
www.aazk.org
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
www.aazv.org
American Society of Primatologists
www.asp.org
American Zoo and Aquarium Association
www.aza.org
The Association of Zoological Horticulture
www.azh.org
The Audubon Society
www.audubon.org
Center for Ecosystem Survival
www.savenature.org
The Conservation Breeding Specialist Group
www.cbsg.org
Earthwatch Institute
www.earthwatch.org
Elephant Managers Association
www.wildlifesafari.org/ema
Feline Conservation Center
www.cathouse-fcc.org
Humane Society of the United States
www.hsus.org
International Crane Foundation
www.savingcranes.org
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International Marine Animal Trainers Association
www.imata.org
International Rhino Foundation
www.rhinos-irf.org
Marine Biology Learning Center
www.marinebiology.org
The Sierra Club
www.sierraclub.org
Society for Ecological Restoration
www.ser.org
US Fish & Wildlife Service
www.fws.gov
Wildlife Conservation Society
www.wcs.org
World Wildlife Fund
www.wwf.org
PERIODICALS
All of the above associations have their own special publications
including magazines, newsletters, articles, etc. Check their Web sites or
the periodical section in your local library. Write them asking for any
free information.
COPYRIGHT 2006 Institute For Career Research CHICAGO
CAREERS INTERNET DATABASE www.careers-internet.org
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